Tasting the Universe: People Who See Colors in Words and Rainbows in Symphonies

Synesthesia is scientifically described as a cross-wiring, or lack of chemical inhibition between brain neurons.

by Maureen Seaberg

A violinist sees a scarlet form when he plays a certain note; a rock star sees waves of blue and green as she composes a ballad; an actress tastes cake when she utters the word “table.” This fascinating mingling of the senses is called “synesthesia,” and the people who possess this amazing gift are called “synesthetes.”

Synesthesia is scientifically described as a cross-wiring, or lack of chemical inhibition between brain neurons that occurs in about five percent of the population, often among creatives types — musicians, artists, actors, writers and so on.

Scientific research is currently being conducted throughout the world to discover more about this condition. However, experts in the fields of spirituality and quantum physics are convinced that the truth of synesthesia lies not only within traditional science, but also within the realm of the mystical and the ineffable.

Step into Seaberg’s glittering alternate universe as she explores this fascinating subject, combining clear explanations of groundbreaking scientific research with an exploration of deeper spiritual truths.

She explains and explores why survivors of near-death experiences sometimes return with this amazing gift; why all infants are believed to be synesthetes until four months of age; the experiences of famous synesthetes such as Itzhak Perlman, Billy Joel, Pharrell Williams and Marilyn Monroe (whose biographer, Norman Mailer, first asserted that she possessed this gift).

For Seaberg, synesthesia is not an idle brain tick that can be explained away by science (although it does offer some important clues), but a unique and indescribable ability to tap into and reveal a greater creative universe and even the Divine.

Follow along with her as she takes you on her own personal “eat, pray, love” of discovery, prompted by her often-confounding yet always-amazing experiences growing up with this gift.

$15.99 — New Page Books, a Divison of Career Press, 220 W. Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 2, February/March 2011.